South Carolina's department of health and human services has created a new $35 million crisis stabilization service grant program.
The funds will go toward building emergency departments and observational units within hospitals specifically for behavioral health, according to a March 2 news release posted on the department's website.
"It's been very clear in recent years that a mental health crisis exists in South Carolina," Gov. Henry McMaster said in the news release. "This grant program will provide our hospitals with the infrastructure needed to meet the increased demand for behavioral and mental health services and ultimately improve the quality of care for South Carolinians in crisis."
The grant funding has to be used as a singular infrastructure fund. The new departments must operate with a "no wrong door" model where care is available 24/7.
Grant applications are now being accepted on SCDHHS' website.